Project Geologist

Zanskar; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking a Project Geologist to join their Exploration team, focusing on geothermal energy development. This role is pivotal in guiding exploration decisions through robust subsurface characterization and integrating geological, geochemical, and geophysical data. You'll be responsible for planning drilling campaigns and identifying new geothermal opportunities. With a commitment to advancing renewable energy resources, this position offers a dynamic environment where your contributions will significantly impact the transition to a carbon-free electrical grid. Join a team that values collaboration and innovation in the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions.

Benefits

Paid holidays

15 days PTO + accrual increase based on tenure

Medical and dental coverage

401k

Stock options

Growth opportunities in renewable energy

Qualifications

• Strong foundation in geology and proficiency in field mapping.
• Experience with 3D geologic modeling and GIS software.

Responsibilities

• Integrate geological data to build geothermal system models.
• Oversee drilling programs and prepare geological prognoses.
• Collaborate with engineers and land teams for project success.

Skills

Geology fundamentals

Field mapping

3D conceptual geologic modeling

GIS software proficiency

Risk quantification and mitigation

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Education

M.S. in geology

M.S. in geophysics

Tools

Leapfrog

Petrel

Move

GIS software

Job description

Title: Project Geologist

Location: Salt Lake City, UT (hybrid)

Benefits Eligible: Yes

Manager: Head of Exploration

Mission - Why we need you

Geothermal energy is the most abundant renewable energy source in the world. There is 2,300 times more energy in geothermal heat in the ground than in oil, gas, coal, and methane combined. However, historically it’s been hard to find and expensive to develop. At Zanskar, we’re using better technology to find and develop new geothermal resources in order to make geothermal a cheap and vital contributor to a carbon-free electrical grid.

We need an Exploration Geologist to help our Exploration team guide development decisions in Zanskar’s greenfield portfolio. We have a large portfolio of early projects across multiple western US states that need to be explored and developed in the next several years to add 100s, if not 1000s of MWs of clean power to the grid. The Exploration Geologist will enable these geothermal prospects and projects by building conceptual models based on principles of geoscience, aided by the adoption of our in-house R&D tools that improve our understanding of the subsurface and lower development risks.

Outcomes - Problems you’ll solve

The Exploration Geologist will play a key role in building Zanskar’s portfolio via robust subsurface characterization to inform decisions that advance geothermal projects in the western US. Responsibilities will include integrating geological, geochemical, and geophysical data sets to test and build conceptual geologic models of geothermal reservoirs, planning and executing drilling campaigns, and identifying greenfield geothermal opportunities. In addition, the Exploration Geologist will support the improvement of R&D tools that supercharge our ability to model the subsurface, predict drilling outcomes, and reduce the uncertainty associated with the subsurface.

Responsibilities – What you’ll do

• Integrate geologic, geochemical, and geophysical data to build and update geothermal system models across Zanskar’s geothermal portfolio
• Prepare targets, well paths, and geologic prognoses for geothermal exploration and development wells
• Oversee logging, sampling, and general wellsite geology during drilling programs
• Own and execute projects at various stages, leading workflows to ensure success
• Work closely with drilling engineers, permitting, and land teams to plan and execute data acquisition and drilling programs
• Assist with resource capacity estimates and prepare the portfolio for investment diligence
• Regular travel to field sites as required (up to 40% of time, within the western US)

Competencies – What we’re looking for

• Strong foundation in fundamentals of geology
• M.S. in geology, geophysics, or related discipline
• Proficiency in field mapping, excellent field observation skills, and the ability to integrate mapping results with geophysical, geochemical, and other datasets
• 3D conceptual geologic modeling experience (Leapfrog, Petrel, Move or similar)
• Proficiency in GIS software and excellent map and figure making skills to visually communicate scientific findings
• Motivated self-starter willing to plan and execute with little oversight, capable of working independently while also excelling as a collaborative team member
• Strong cross-disciplinary collaboration skills — able to communicate and integrate effectively with geologists, engineers, and data scientists
• Risk quantification and mitigation skills, ability to identify alternative operational scenarios and plan for contingencies
• Comfortable operating in a fast-moving startup environment with evolving goals and high-impact work
• Preferred experience in one or more of the following methods: data analytics and geostatistics, geothermal resource modeling, wellsite geology, geologic resource assessment and geologic mapping for conventional hydrothermal systems, well planning, targeting, and operational supervision
• Preferred experience with one or more of the following geologic data types: gravity, magnetics, magnetotellurics, fluid geochemistry, LiDAR, image logs, alteration mineral assemblages

Benefits

- Paid holidays

- 15 days PTO + PTO accrual increase based on tenure

- Medical and dental coverage

- 401k

- Stock options

- Growth opportunities at a company with a direct impact on advancing domestic renewable energy resources

Equal Opportunity Employer

Zanskar is an equal-opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state and local fair employment practice laws.